CHAPTER 4 – The King Keeps his Appointment

In Chapter 4 of “The Prisoner of Zenda,” Rudolf Rassendyll awakens to a critical situation. Rudolf, impersonating the soon-to-be-crowned King of Ruritania, finds the real king incapacitated due to excessive drinking, speculated to be drugged by Black Michael, a contender for the throne. Colonel Sapt and Fritz von Tarlenheim, loyal servants of the king, realize that without the king’s presence at the coronation, his claim to the throne could be jeopardized. They devise a risky plan: Rudolf must continue to impersonate the king and attend the coronation in his stead.

This chapter vividly portrays the urgency and desperation of the situation. Old Sapt and Fritz hastily prepare Rudolf for the impersonation, involving shaving his facial hair to match the king’s appearance more closely. Despite initial protests, Rudolf agrees to their plan, recognizing the gravity of the circumstances. The narrative heightens as they discuss how to manage the discovery of the king’s absence, deciding to transport him to a safe location.

The tension escalates with the involvement of the old woman who could potentially expose their plan, but Sapt decisively deals with this obstacle. Rudolf’s transformation is completed, and the trio sets off to Strelsau, all the while educating Rudolf on the king’s life and mannerisms to ensure his convincing portrayal. The chapter concludes with their arrival in the capital, heralded by a hopeful yet tense atmosphere as they step into unknown consequences.

This chapter sets the stage for the unfolding drama of impersonation and political intrigue. Rudolf’s commitment to the plan, despite its dangers, and the loyalty of Sapt and Fritz to their king underscore themes of duty, honor, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their sovereign and country. The intricate preparation and the immediate execution of the plan highlight the novel’s adventurous spirit, foreshadowing a story full of suspense, identity confusion, and political machinations.